When people look back at the histories of movies, someone will most definitely stumble across the rather unknown dark thrillers of the 1990s. Unlawful Entry will be there among the cobwebs, as one of those really intense cop dramas. Ray Liotta will forever be remembered for his role in Goodfellas, but I’ll always remember him as Office Pete Davis. During this time of my life I was a huge Kurt Russell fan so I found was partially drawn to this film because how realistic the story could be for early 90’s Los Angeles. Sure there is still police corruption and those who abuse power all over the globe, but society has come a long way and any kind of news like this would be all over social media and we’d have a major story. Thankfully this story isn’t that advanced, so we get to be treated to a much darker and creeper version of Lakeview Terrance. That film may be more focused on racial issues, whereas as Unlawful Entry is centered around lust and how messed in the head some people with power can be. One of the best aspects of the movie is the eerie piano music that stays at the same pace, even when the action picks up. It’s the slow rhythmic beat that you would never play such a vital part of the storytelling but it actually does. Russell showcases his many abilities by going from a terrified husband, to rabid dog protecting his image, to a guy holding a gun in the face of a police office. As much as Liotta steals the show with performance, Russell compliments him at every turn. It has been many years since I watched Unlawful Entry, until I convince the girlfriend to watch it recently. She may not have enjoyed it as much as I did, but still a solid film from the early 1990’s. 8/10
Ten Stars or Less 